The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is an agency of the Philippine Government which was established on 16 June 1980 through
the enactment of Batas Pambansa (Republic Act) 79 to promote and uphold the interests and well-being of Filipinos Overseas.
The evolvement of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas can be traced over a series of enactments starting in 1974 with Presidential Decree No. 442, also known
as the Labor Code of the Philippines. The decree provided for the creation of the Overseas Employment Development Board (OEDB) to set up a systematic program for overseas
employment of Filipino workers, as well as to register and monitor emigrants leaving for various countries abroad.
The ensuring years, which was characterized by steady increases in migration figures, made it expedient to institute an independent unit which shall comprise the local
support network solely for Filipino migrants. Thus, in June 1978, Presidential Decree No. 1412 was passed, creating the Office of Emigrant Affairs (OEA). The decree specifically
identified as recipients of its services, Filipinos who will be leaving the country as emigrants.
In June 1980, to strengthen its policy on promotion of migrant welfare and interest, Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 was enacted. It created the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, replacing
OEA and simultaneously retaining the latter's mandate, and expanding its functions to include the formulation of policy recommendations to promote the welfare and interests of Filipinos
overseas.
